Meaning
To be a kind and good person.
Cultural Background
In Sweden, being 'snäll' (kind) is often seen as a core national virtue. This idiom is the ultimate way to validate someone's 'snällhet' without making them sound weak. Swedish work culture is non-hierarchical. A boss who has 'hjärtat på rätta stället' is highly respected because they care about their employees as people. Many of Astrid Lindgren's characters, like Alfred in 'Emil i Lönneberga', are described this way. They might be poor or uneducated, but they are morally superior. On Swedish 'Swish-journalism' or crowdfunding pages, you often see this phrase used to describe donors or people in need who deserve help.
The 'But' Rule
This idiom is most powerful when used after a 'but'. Use it to defend someone's character after mentioning a flaw.
Don't change the words
If you say 'hjärtat på rätt plats', people will understand you, but it won't sound like the idiom. Stick to 'rätta stället'.
Meaning
To be a kind and good person.
The 'But' Rule
This idiom is most powerful when used after a 'but'. Use it to defend someone's character after mentioning a flaw.
Don't change the words
If you say 'hjärtat på rätt plats', people will understand you, but it won't sound like the idiom. Stick to 'rätta stället'.
Job Interviews
Use this to describe your 'soft skills'. It sounds more authentic and 'Swedish' than just saying 'I am kind'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Han är lite slarvig, men han har _______ på rätta _______.
The idiom always uses the definite forms 'hjärtat' and 'stället'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to describe a kind person?
Välj rätt mening:
B is correct because it uses the preposition 'på' and the definite 'rätta stället'.
Match the person to the description.
Vem har hjärtat på rätta stället?
The idiom describes someone who is fundamentally good and helpful.
Complete the dialogue.
Kalle: 'Varför gillar du chefen? Han är ju så sträng!' Lisa: 'Ja, han är sträng, men...'
Lisa is defending the boss's character despite his strictness.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHan är lite slarvig, men han har _______ på rätta _______.
The idiom always uses the definite forms 'hjärtat' and 'stället'.
Välj rätt mening:
B is correct because it uses the preposition 'på' and the definite 'rätta stället'.
Vem har hjärtat på rätta stället?
The idiom describes someone who is fundamentally good and helpful.
Kalle: 'Varför gillar du chefen? Han är ju så sträng!' Lisa: 'Ja, han är sträng, men...'
Lisa is defending the boss's character despite his strictness.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt's a bit boastful to say it about yourself. It's better to let others say it about you, or use it humbly like 'Jag försöker i alla fall ha hjärtat på rätta stället.'
Mostly yes, but you can occasionally use it for organizations or even dogs if they are particularly kind-natured.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but you could say someone is 'kallhjärtad' (cold-hearted) or 'elak' (mean).
In this context, yes. It's the definite form of 'rätt'. You'll see it in other idioms like 'den rätta' (the one/soulmate).
Related Phrases
Ha ett hjärta av guld
synonymTo have a heart of gold.
Vara en reko person
similarTo be a reliable, decent person.
Ha huvudet på skaft
contrastTo be sharp/intelligent.
Hjärtlig
builds onHearty/Cordial.
